WELCOME TO MODELING 101!!!

There is more to the modeling world than the media lets on. If you want to find out what it really takes and how to manage your modeling career, then you've come to the right place! This blog is dedicated to the aspiring and already established models who live to defy the standards and stereotypes in order to make a place for themselves in this crazy industry.

Modeling 101 Followers - I Love You!!!

Subscribe To Modeling 101!

Follow Modeling 101 with Dania Denise by Email!

Enter your search terms

Web

Amodelsdiary.blogspot.com

Submit search form

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Modeling & Stretch Marks

Stretch marks...ugh. No one likes them and if you are a model or want to become one, this may seem like a huge setback to your goals. However, if you know about stretch marks and how to handle them, having these unsightly marks doesn't have to be detrimental to your modeling career.

Unfortunately, there are many myths and so-called "miracle treatments" that promise to get rid of your stretch marks forever. Before you invest any time or money, it's important to know the real deal.You don't have to be overweight or pregnant to get stretch marks: This is a common misconception. The skinniest of people can still develop stretch marks and it affects both men and women, although women are more likely to suffer from it than their male counterparts.

Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched over time. This happens not only during pregnancy (which results in stretch marks on the stomach and breasts), but also during growth spurts and even weight lifters that build up a lot of muscle will notice their new bulk can also be a common area for stretch marks.

Beware the miracle products and treatments: Because stretch marks develop in the middle layer of the skin, this makes it very unlikely for a topical ointment or lotion to penetrate deeply enough to completely eliminate your stretch marks.

However, applying such products or cocoa butter can help to lighten the color or slightly fade your stretch marks (this is especially helpful if you have those terrible purple/reddish type of stretch marks).

Even though laser treatments have been shown to reduce some stretch marks by 20-50%, this method according to medical experts is not a fool-proof way to be stretch mark-free. Laser treatments are most effective on reddish/purple stretch marks and ineffective on light, white, older stretch marks.

Take action sooner than later: The key to this is to begin treating the area as soon as you get your stretch marks. The sooner you take steps to tackle the problem, the better the results. If you've got stretch marks that have been there for years then chances are you won't be able to make much of a difference--even with expensive products and costly treatments.

Tanning for stretch marks is very far fetched: Some swear by using indoor tanning as a way to make stretch marks blend in better with tanned skin but this couldn't be further from the truth. The reality is that stretch marks are located in the middle layer of skin and contain its own pigmentation (color). Stretch marks don't actually tan, which can make them stand out more against your tanned skin.

What does work in some cases is the use of self tanning products (tanning lotion, fake bake tans, etc) because these actually create a layer of pigment that sits on top of your skin. But the results aren't always guaranteed. Remember, tanning under the sun or in a tanning bed is bad for your skin anyway so avoid it if you can!

Stretch marks don't mean you can't be a model: Just because you have stretch marks doesn't mean you can forget about pursuing a modeling career. It all depends on what kind of modeling you want to do. If you want to become a swimwear model but have really bad stretch marks all over your butt, stomach or breasts, then you may have a difficult time breaking into that field.

But if you've got minimal stretch marks or really light ones, these are easy to retouch in Photoshop and generally won't be a problem. Fashion models don't always show a lot of skin and are all about showing off the clothes so in those instances, stretch marks won't work against you. In addition to retouching pictures, many makeup artists use body makeup to cover up stretch marks.

In a nutshell, stretch marks can be worked around and vary on a case to case basis. Some clients don't mind working with a model with stretch marks, while others do. When it comes to modeling agencies, be honest and see what they have to say. You aren't the first person with stretch marks they've seen and you definitely won't be the last so don't over analyze things. As long as you take care of your skin to the best of your ability, you can continue your modeling career without a hitch.

I have stretchmarks in my lower back, hips and breasts. They are pretty noticeable. I saw that you mentioned you also had stretchmarks so I wanted to know what you do to cover them up. Especially for fittings and fashion shows?

reading this made me feel so much better. my whole life i've wanted to be a model, but becoming over weight at 12 then losing all the weight by 15 left me with stretch marks in my arms, lower back and a bit on my chest... ever since then i let my model dream fade. but reading your article makes me think i may still have a chance (24 yrs old now)

I have always wanted and still want to be a model but i now have five kids i have streach marks on my butt and arms and my hips but i really dont know how to get them clear because i just want to do apperances not be naked but i really need some input please i need help

Thank you for the response dania..but also is there a crtain look that will get my foot in the door. Because i currently have a friend that is into modeling but i havent really hung out with her in about one year due to expansion of my growing family. but i dont want to feel like i owe her something and also i dont want her to feel like im using her. Also i dont know how my husband will feel about me modeling. Please give me some idea.

Well, everyone has stretch marks; even just a tiny line. They can easily be covered with make up and airbrush. I am a freelance model (meaning I'm my own agent), and those hadn't stopped me from getting gigs.

Ok so this is going to be a very long comment!haha!Ok so i'm 14 years old i've wanted to be a VS model since I can remember and wanted to get signed with Ford models.ive recently measured myself and have the right measurements for vs 34-23-34 and am 5'9''ive had clear skin until this summer when red bulging stretch marks have taken shape on my hips, but, inner and outer thighs.they came so fast that at first i didnt know how to stop them and really didnt know what they were.i didnt know what caused them because i didnt get any taller and have been 115 lbs since i was 12 i was so devestated because it just seemed like i could never do anything in the modeling carrer. i tried everything from coco butter to a derma roller and although they've become lighter the stretch marks havent gone away. I just wanted to say thanku for all the info uve posted about this kind of thing and how modeling is still an option. i was also wondering what kind of cream or anything you used that helped with your stretch marks?sry if what i just wrote was confusing haha but thanku again :)

Hi again!! First I want to thank you for your reply and tell you how helpful your site has been so far. As I mention before, I have stretch marks, so I figured I go the commerical/ print route. I have a couple of questions... What is the average price range for a photoshoot and comp cards? What kind of outfits do I need to wear for the comp card? What are some basic make up tips that I should and shouldn't do? My hair is in a short hairstyle, would it be better to keep my hair away from my face? I live in NYC, would you happen to know any photographers ? I apologize if I asked to many questions but I need advice.. I will gladly appreciate, thank you!

You are right. There are so many modelling areas to venture upon that do not require the model to show a lot of skin. I had some unnoticeable ones in my leg area. I feel so depressed at first, but when I learned how to handle this problem, I feel much more confident now. So now, I am able to do more modelling. I've been an image model for nurses for a year and loving it. :D

Hi, Raya! You're very welcome! I'm going to answer your question right in this comment since you have already replied to this post. Because you are a new model you do not need to hire a photographer to do comp cards, headshots or portfolios. Agencies will ask to see non-professional, digital snapshots from new models so those are the types of pictures you should focus on for now. In these pictures you should not have any makeup on and your hair should be out of your face and styled how you normally wear it on a daily basis. The agencies want to make sure that you will look like your pictures when you walk in for the interview or open casting call.

Your best bet would be to look up the websites of commercial/print agencies in New York and seeing what types of photos each one specifically asks for. Not all agencies want the same types of pictures. Knowing this info first will save you time, money and unnecessary effort. Oftentimes new models make the mistake of spending time and money on pro pictures and send them to agencies, only to find out that the agency can't or won't use them because they aren't the right type or quality they need in order to market a model properly. Once you get signed to an agency, they will work with you to help set up your first test shoot with a professional photographer. It is from that test shoot that the images for headshot, comp card and portfolio will be created.

Um, here's my problem:I live in India, in a rather small town and I have big dreams to make it in the modelling world. My dreams, though, go beyond India, since the modelling scene here isn't equally as good as America. As soon as I turn 18, I'll be allowed to move out and pursue my passion. As of now, I'm 15 and my height is 5'7". Do you think agencies like Ford will be interested in me? If so, how should I proceed?Also, I got stretch marks when I was 14, is it too late to minimise them now? I didn't really know how to go about with them until I saw your post.

i have 16 years and my height is 175cm, weight 54kg and i have white stretch marks...i think i got them like 3 or 4 years ago and they weren't noticeable till now..i have them on my butt and i have some on my knee but they don't have any color they are like lines.. now i started to use some products for stratch marks ..and i want to know is it possible to disappear??? i will try everything it doesn't matter how it cost . please help me!

Hi! I'm 18 years old and i have white stretch marks.I'm not even overweight.I would like to know is it possible that stretch marks get less visible if i work out?If i use oil and if i do some exercises how much can stretch marks disappear in procents?

BTW for anyone desperate to reduce the appearance of stretchmarks, EXFOLIATE!! It really helps, and again, everyones skin is different but I have seen improvements and so have my friends. Right after exfoliating MOSTURISE!! It helps prevents the skin from sktetching more and replenishes the exfoliated layer of skin which makes it look better. PLUS... use products (although not 100% efficient) that have Collagen and Elastin. These are some kind of proteins that keep the skin subtle and youthful (im not good at science). These kinds of products are the best option if you choose to use them.

I also heard specific foods such as fruit that contain vitamins help your skin overtime. Grapes are good, they stimulate the proteins mentioned above :)

As the name implies, stretch marks are caused by the outright stretching of the skin. This stretching can be minor or it can be pronounced. Often, rapid stretching of the skin combined with hormonal issues can lead to these annoying marks. In essence, the skin is surprised by the rapid growth it undergoes and this leads to scarring.

Many will assume that overeating is the only thing that creates these scars. While it is definitely true that eating too much too soon and packing on a huge amount of weight will cause stretch marks, there are other weight gain methods that can cause the marks.

I was signed to an agency when I was 16, which long story short, lead to a whole plethora of problems - lost a lot of weight because I was shy about going in for my first photos, rebounded, gained A LOT of weight and consequently have the stretch marks to prove it! I'm losing the weight again now (I'm almost 19 now though)and I hope to be able to go back in soon and continue where I left off.. but my hip stretch marks and the ones on the backs of my knees really get me down. They are mostly white now but I'm dying to know if there's anything at all that'll help to make them as faint as possible?! I realise they're never going to completely dissapear but will they shrink or fade?

Hi, I'm 18 yrs old and I've always wanted to model but I've large hips and big bum with strech marks to make it worse, I've lost hope but I'm scared no wants to hire me ...and time grows by I'm adding weight

Thanks this helps alot Ill keep stickin with the bio oil its actually helping alot but now iv got allergy hives and my parents arnt so ok with me doing this and when i tell them well i probably end up kicked out but thanks :)

Hi. Dania....it's really embarrassing asking you this question but i didn't know who to ask...i have recently started shaving using shaving cream. when i shave underarm, the hairs don't get shaved off cleanly. it leaves really small black dots (?). I think this is because of the root of the hair. I honestly don't know..because of these black dots i can't lift up my arms in case someone sees it...also i can't change to using razor or waxing because im scared...im really sorry for asking you this question! hopefully you'll have the answer to my question because I really want to know if I can get rid of these black dots...

Hey..my name is Danielle,im 20 and I always dreamed of being a fashion model but I have really bad stretch marks on my stomach and I have a 5 year old daughter with no kind help from nobody and I want to do this soo bad so I can give my daughter everything I didn't have! Any advice??

Hey!I've had stretch marks for about two years. I barely even knew what they were and thought they were just temporary(good thing it doesn't look too serious).Anyway, I have a question...I was just wondering if there are any short-ish models? I'm still pretty young, but I do wish to be a model.Thank you!

Hey I'm 14 years and I live in South Africa, I've always dreamed to be a V.S modelling but now at the beginning of the year I started to have white stetch marks on my butt to my hips only... And I was about to make a form for Ford modelling, I dont know if they gonna take me because I'm from S.A? Don't know what to do anymore please help!

OMG. I have stretch marks in my legs and thighs. I really want to be a model but not the kind of model that shows off the body. You and your article made me gain confidence! I do believe that stretch marks and other flaws are not a hindrance to your dreams! <3 Thank you!!!

Hi,I just had a baby about 2 months ago and I have stretch marks on ny stomach, butt, thighs, even my calves...I just signed on with a modeling agency, but I didn't think to tell then about my stretch marks. What do you think will happen when I do?

I bought the Somaluxe Stretch Marks cream for my 18 year old daughter and its the only thing that has worked for her stretch marks. She seems to heal quickly (being 18 obviously), and without much scarring - unlike me. She had protruding stretch marks on her hipbones and underneath her buttocks. With the Somaluxe Cream - she showed good improvement within 4 weeks, and great improvement within 8 weeks. Her stretch marks are now flattened, less visible, and have lighted

Thank you so much this really did help. I have them and the aren't small. I had them when I was younger and I didn't know what to do, or who to tell. I thought they were just scratches till they started to get worse. I am now 17 and they have fadded and long.But stil l there. I just wanted to know, would it be more difficult for me to get in since my stretch marks aren't so small?

Hi, Laquita Henderson! You can definitely still model. At your age, you'll want to look for agencies that represent commercial/print and/or lifestyle models. Those types of models don't show excessive skin so it's not as likely that your stretch marks will be a problem.

Hi, thank you so much for your advice. When you said if you have reddish stretch marks I was really nervous but when I read all of it I was relaxed. But if you have a scar on your lower back would you be able to enter the fashion business?.

I truly have been trying to love my body, and my boyfriend is trying really hard to show me that I can be pretty without being super skinny. I'm medium sized and I have a lot of curves but the only stretch marks I have are on my stomach. Since plus sized models now adays aren't really plus sized in my opinion, I know I'll be put in that category. I want to try to become a plus sized model to boost my confidence but I think it is just the stretch marks that make me hate how I look. What should I do to help this?

Thank you for sharing your story with me! Among the many skin issues we can have, stretch marks are especially difficult because they're always reminding you that they are there (mine remind me 24/7!).

I don't know if you've currently been trying any products or other methods to try and minimize their appearance but aside from those efforts, just know that not all modeling jobs require you to show skin.

When you sign with an agency they go over the types of modeling you are/aren't comfortable with and if you do a lot of print work, the odds of you showing your stomach and having to worry about your stretch marks will not be that high.

Even in the event that you have to do a gig where your marks may be visible, guess what? Photoshop is going to take care of all of that! Regardless of what kind of shoots you do, photographers are always going to retouch and tweak the images so they're not going to release images of you that show your stretch marks. No one will be the wiser!

The only way you'll know for sure what your chances are is to put yourself out there with modeling. Many models have stretch marks and it wouldn't be the end of the world if the agency you're interested in signing with knows you have them.

It can be quite the challenge to feel comfortable in your own skin, especially since at the end of the day we come home and see what everyone else doesn't. While it will take time to love every inch of yourself, I hope you find comfort in the fact that despite you being your own worst critic, your efforts with modeling won't be hindered as much as you think because of those pesky marks.

I've been using Dermelastic serum for a few weeks on my previous pregnancy stretch marks and can see a slight improvement so far. I don't expect it to work miracles so overall, I'm pleased and hoping it helps prevent further stretch marks with my current pregnancy.

About Me

This blog has come a long way since I started it in 2007! After more than 15 years in the modeling industry I have grown to be just as passionate about helping others get into modeling as I am about working in the industry itself. This blog will provide new, aspiring and established models words of wisdom, helpful tips, resources, advice, information and insight into the modeling world that not many people care to take the time to share. I believe we all should pursue our dreams--even if they end up not being the right fit. In addition to this blog I am also a model mentor and hope to begin traveling to do meet and greets with my readers and fans. If you want to set up a meet and greet, need advice for your own situation or want to request a topic for me to write about, please shoot me an email.